While many could debate that point at length, it's clear that Microsoft's competitors aren't letting it stand in their way.

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But Hogan says that's the not the case this time, adding Clear Channel will be paying Arbitron though the length of its four-year contract.

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He has made it clear, most recently, when he discussed it at length a couple of weeks ago.

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But what is equally clear is that the US wants to keep its involvement at arm's length, refusing to provide weapons directly and keeping a low-profile.

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It was clear, though, that as with the Packers and Moss, a one-year length was a deal-breaker for the Eagles.

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It is not clear how much the apartment-rental program will cost, a FEMA spokeswoman said, because the length of stays and rents will vary from family to family.

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"Unfortunately nowadays, in France, hospital careers are not based on merit but on length of service or on who arrived first... or on other criteria which are not very clear, " he said.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | French surgeons plan London 'exile'